1 Year of Fatherhood

Today is my son's birthday! In a similar fashion to my Birthday Lessons Leech Letter, I'm going to start with lessons on his birthday. If I had to distill one piece of advice or wisdom after one year of being a father, it would be this: You are always capable of more as a father. I often think about the Navy SEALs' concept of the 40% rule. For those who aren't familiar, the 40% rule suggests that when your mind is telling you that you're done, when you feel exhausted and believe you can't possibly go any further, you're actually only 40% done. There's still so much more in the tank. This concept resonates deeply with me, especially in the context of fatherhood. After a long and challenging day at work, the first instinct might be to put down the bags, kick off your shoes, and finally put your feet up for the first time all day. But here's the truth: you're capable of more. For example, when your child is cranky and restless, it’s tempting to take the easy way out and hand them a screen. But deep down, you know there’s more you can do. Instead of the quick fix, you dig a little deeper. You muster up the energy to engage with them— playing, reading, or even taking them for a 10 minute walk. It might take more effort, but the connection you build in those moments is priceless and far more rewarding. Or consider those moments when you’ve had a sleepless night, and your patience is running thin. It’s easy to let frustration take over, but you’re capable of more. You find that extra bit of patience, that deeper well of understanding, and you remind yourself that your child is learning, growing, and looking to you for guidance. Those are the moments where your impact as a father truly shines. Fatherhood, like many of life’s greatest challenges, requires us to dig deeper, to push past the initial wave of fatigue, and to give more than we thought possible. And the reward? It's immeasurable. The moments spent with your child, the lessons you teach them, and the love you pour into your family are worth every ounce of effort.

So, on this special day, as I celebrate my son's birthday, I'm reminded that fatherhood isn't about perfection—it's about perseverance. It's about showing up every day, even when you're tired, even when it's hard, and giving it your all. Because at the end of the day, our kids deserve the very best of us, and we are capable of giving them just that. Keep the fire burning, Leech If you found this article useful, here’s 2 more ways I can help: Check out my Gumroad Page. I have plenty of courses and programs on there, maybe 1 you haven't seen yet! Programs and Courses! Follow me on Twitter! I try to share training clips, thoughts, and ideas daily there. Twitter Profile